New Taj Mahal opens in University District

The Indian restaurant recently took over the space formerly occupied by the International Café, and before that, Blue Nile, at 2361 N. High St. in the University District.

It’s just a few storefronts down from the iconic – but now closed – Taj Mahal, one of the city’s first Indian restaurants, opening in 1984. It has since been replaced by Mughal Darbar.

“It’s a well-known name, especially down here,” said Nural Alam, who’s part of a group of investors at the New Taj Mahal and Curry & Sweets on Kenny Road.

The New Taj Mahal features a daily lunch buffet ($7.99 on weekdays, $9.49 on weekends) and a la carte selections at night. The extensive menu will seem largely familiar to fans of North and South Indian cuisine, with dishes such as chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo and saag paneeer. There are several vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings, mostly costing $10 to $17. Among the chef’s specialties are hilsha fish, kadai chicken, mixed tandoori and lamb shanks.

No alcohol is offered.

New Taj Mahal is open lunch and dinner hours daily. For more information, call 614-421-2323.